Armstead signs with 'Skins, other moves

Ken Palmer

03/02/2002

It didn't take long for LB Jessie Armstead to find a new team. Only one day
after being officially released by the Giants, the five-time Pro Bowler inked
a three-year, $4.5 million pact with New York's NFC East rivals, Washington.

Armstead will look to rejuvenate his career and prove the Giants wrong under new Redskins defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis. The Giants stated previously that they couldn't afford to pay Armstead more than a million dollars a season, and obviously elected not to… The Redskins are also among the seven suitors for unrestricted free agent S Shaun Williams, according to The Star-Ledger. The Giants would desperately love to re-sign their former first round draft choice and move him to his natural position of strong safety, but will have to free up some additional cap room to do so…

QB Kerry Collins is seeking a long-term extension worth at least $8 million a season. Collins is entering the final year of his original four-year, $16.9 million contract. The Giants, however, are not exactly champing at the bit to re-up their signal-caller, especially at a Brett Favre-esque price tag. The 29-year-old Collins is marrying Brooke Isenhour March 2 in North Carolina…

New York may not have an opportunity to re-sign recently released S Sam Garnes, an option they may have considered later on during the free agency period. Garnes is expected to visit - and most likely sign with - the New York Jets next week. Garnes has been New York's starting strong safety since being drafted in the fifth round out of Cincinnati in 1997… Instead of being cut, veteran TE Howard Cross opted to retire after 13 seasons with the club. Cross is hoping to land a job in the television industry…

In addition to the more notable cuts of Armstead, Garnes, LT Lomas Brown, CB Dave Thomas and QB Jason Garrett (who could still possibly return), the Giants also had to make a few minor moves to get under the $71.7 million salary cap. The club waived OT Jim Goff, DE Brady McDonnell, RB Lloyd Clemons and DL DaMonte McKenzie… Finally, the Giants are scheduled to open the NFL season, hosting San Francisco on Thursday, Sept. 5. The ESPN game will be the first weekday opener in NFL history…